About

M25 is an early-stage venture firm based in Chicago, investing solely in companies headquartered in the Midwest. Since we launched in 2015, we've become one of the most active investors in our region. We are led by two of the youngest fund managers in the industry, and we enjoy challenging traditions. We invest broadly, and our unique, analytical approach to venture investing aims to reduce the risk, while maintaining the high returns typically associated with this stage of investing. We emphasize our expansive networks, and thrive on collaboration - helping to syndicate deals, encouraging fair terms as a best practice, and prioritizing relationships. And along the journey, we hope to share a few laughs, whether its over beers or board games.

M25’s name comes from Jesus’ Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30. For us, this parable is a Biblical example of wise entrepreneurship as well as a charge to properly steward all that God has given. At M25, this notion is core in our investment philosophy – both as we invest our own capital into the entrepreneurs that inspire us daily and as we responsibly manage capital entrusted to us.

Recent Investments

Team

Board & Advisors

Scope

Where We Invest

As much as we love San Francisco, we will only consider investing in Midwest-headquartered companies for a variety of strategic and practical reasons.

Where we invest Portfolio Companies M25 Offices

What We Invest In

We will consider investing in almost any industry. Here’s a sampling of some we’ve already invested in:

Analytics

Big Data

Consumer Apps

Ecommerce

Education

Enterprise

Finance & Banking

Food & Beverage

Government

Healthcare

IOT

Law

Media

Real Estate

Sports & Entertainment

Logistics

When We Invest

M25 invests in the “Seed Stage.” Everyone has a different definition of “Seed Stage,” so this is how we define it:

What We Look At

After the initial meeting, we put companies through our rigorous scorecard analysis. We score the following variables as objectively as possible. While they are all important, some are more important than others.

Blog

Contact

FOUNDERS: Please fill out the form below. Include as much detail as possible on your company, business plan, funding round ask, and other relevant information. Keep in mind, we do require there to be some form of market traction, as we do not invest in ideas or prototypes. We usually get back to you within 48 hours.

INVESTORS: We only work with accredited investors that know one of the four board members. Please reach out to one of them if you are interested in hearing more about our investment strategy/philosophy, portfolio companies, or future funds.